10+ New Orleans Christmas parades and light shows
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Celebration in the Oaks features Mr. Bingle, the adorable New Orleans holiday mascot. Photo: Paul Broussard/neworleans.com
We love a parade in New Orleans, so of course we have a few for Christmas and the holiday season.
- The area also has several festive light shows.
Here are a few of our best bets for holiday parades and light shows in town.
Holiday parades
Children's Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade: Rolls at 11am on Dec. 2 through the French Quarter and downtown. (Route)
- It has 30 floats, big balloons like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and dancing groups and marching bands.
Krewe of Krampus: The creepy NOLAuf walking parade winds through Bywater starting at 7:30pm on Dec. 2. (Route)
- This is the largest Krampus parade in the America, according to the krewe, and focuses on dark Christmas elements.
Gretna Christmas Parade: This parade rolls at 5:30pm Dec. 3 on Huey P. Long Avenue. (Details)
- Santa will light the Christmas tree, plus food and drinks will be for sale.
West End Boat Parade: The parade is on the lakefront near the New Canal Lighthouse at 5:30pm on Dec. 9. (Details)
- The decorated boats make a circuit along the lakefront and are easily visible from the seawall. The Pontchartrain Conservancy hosts its Lights on the Lake event during the parade with music and a great view of the boats.
Jingle on the Boulevard: The 5th annual parade rolls at noon Dec. 16 in New Orleans East. (Details)
- It features Santa Claus, floats, marching bands, dance krewes and signature throws, organizers say.
Christmas light shows
Celebration in the Oaks: This massive show in New Orleans City Park is open now until Dec. 30 with driving, walking and biking options. It's closed Christmas Eve. Tickets are required. (Details)
Christmas in Lafreniere Park: The light show starts at 5:30pm daily from Dec. 1-30. It's closed Christmas Day. It's a driving tour, and you pay per vehicle. (Details)
Holiday in the Park: The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission puts on a free light show at Joe W. Brown Park (5601 Read Boulevard) now until Jan. 2. Walking and driving options are available. (Details)
Miracle on Fulton Street: Walk through this free light show on Fulton Street for festive decorations, music and a blast of fake snow. (Details)
Heritage Park Christmas Village: Kenner has a free light display you can walk through nightly in Rivertown from Dec. 1-31. Vendors and entertainment are available on Fridays and Saturdays. (Details)
Luna Fête: This annual festival of light, art and technology will have festivities on the both sides of the Mississippi River, with the main lights projected onto the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. (Details)
Light Up the Huey: The white twinkle lights are up on Huey P. Long Avenue in Gretna with various events, including a living nativity, planned throughout the season. (Schedule)
St. Charles Avenue: Take a self-guided holiday light show on St. Charles Avenue and admire the decorations.
Lagniappe: Natchitoches Christmas Festival isn't in New Orleans, but this Louisiana light show is one of the oldest in the country. (Details)
Go deeper: Notable residential Christmas light displays